Pep Rally and Bonfire Celebrates Centenary and Sussex Fall Sports

Food, music, lawn games, s’mores and entertainment helped draw a crowd to a Pep Rally and Bonfire Friday night, Oct. 6, on Anderson Field that kicked off a weekend of events at both Centenary and Sussex County Community College (SCCC). 

For Centenary, it was the prelude to Alumni and Family Day held the next day. For SCCC, it was the hype before their Homecoming football game. And of course, both mascots—our very own Cyclone and SCCC’s Mr. Skylander—were in attendance.

The event introduced Centenary’s fall sports teams and celebrated the SkyClones Partnership that provides residence life space at Centenary for SCCC’s student-athletes, primarily football players.

The event was co-sponsored by several campus organizations: Theta Epsilon Nu (pep rally), Wrestling Team (bonfire), SGA (food and DJ), EOP (s’mores) and Campus Life (set-up).

We caught up with several of the event organizers to get their take on the evening that drew over 250 attendees.

How would you describe your experience at the event?

Onoshope Nora Itunoya-Musa (Head of Diversity & Inclusion, SGA): I had so much fun. I enjoyed everything from top to bottom. It was a great turnout. Overall, ΘΕΝ, SGA, Wrestling, Campus Life, and EOP did a great job with coordinating this event, My sorority, DXN, did a strolling presentation where we performed two different songs showing what Greek life portrays and showed inclusion on campus. It was amazing.

Kathleen Greco (Director of Student Leadership & Engagement): I had a great time – it was awesome to see so many students enjoying the event.

Why is having a Pep Rally and Bonfire important for students?

Itunoya-Musa: Activities like this really bring everyone together. It’s very fun, very entertaining, very engaging. It really was a stress-free and lighthearted event for the students, professors, and even people in the Hackettstown community. I loved that so many people were able to come out and enjoy themselves.

Matthias O’Neil (Head of Finance, SGA): A Pep Rally and Bonfire acknowledges students on campus, brings attention to the athletics program, and brings awareness to different clubs and organization events. It’s really cool to be able to celebrate the different organizations and clubs at a bonfire. It gives people an opportunity to come out, be entertained, and have a good time. Free food doesn’t hurt either. 

Greco: The Pep Rally and Bonfire was a way to celebrate the start of another school year and kick off alumni & family day, applaud the time and effort our athletes dedicate to their sport, allow our Greeks, clubs, and organizations to showcase their talents, encourage all Centenary students to get to know one another, and to continue what has become a beloved Centenary fall tradition.

Have you attended any Sussex football games this semester?

Itunoya-Musa: I attended my first-ever American football game the other day. In Nigeria, ‘soccer’ is our ‘football.’ So, coming here and hearing ‘football’ was something different and a little off-putting. I wasn’t too interested in American football until I heard about the Sussex team. I was so happy my first American football game ever was the Sussex Homecoming game. I went with two of my sorority sisters, and we had such a good time at the game. I would definitely go again, but just not in the cold.

Have you attended any Centenary sports games this semester?

Itunoya-Musa: I attend a lot of Centenary sports games from soccer to basketball to lacrosse. Baseball was something I took an interest in when I first started going to Centenary. I always try to go to as many Centenary soccer and basketball games as I can. I can tell our teams really put in their all at their games. They’re really fun to watch.

Greco: Yes, I have attended volleyball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer… I still need to see cross country fall ball for LIS, baseball, and softball.

What was your favorite part about the Pep Rally and Bonfire?

Itunoya-Musa: I really liked seeing everyone at the bonfire, honestly. The music was good, too. I had a great time performing. I also really enjoyed the relay race. Tug-of-war was seniors vs. juniors, and it was so fun participating. Even though the seniors lost, they’ll get them next year.

Greco: The relay races!

O’Neil: I won the relay race. I was pretty excited about that because I’m very competitive. Watching Dr. Caldwell getting pied at the end of the relay race was great, too.

The Pep Rally and Bonfire was a great success for both Centenary University and SCCC. The students and staff really enjoyed the event and are looking forward to next year’s Pep Rally and Bonfire.